Historic Roots

Origins of the Eichlers and other mid-century modern homes

Wexler's Palm Springs Steel
Dreaming in steel: Palm Springs' tiny enclave of seven modern steel homes is a desert landmark.
Jim San Jule: Tireless Crusader
Eichler Homes’ original marketing director worked hard and passionately so others could live well
The Body Beautiful
Two jewelry designers, their ‘wearable art from the heart’ and an ambitious show built on California mid-century modern
Desert Delights - Palm Springs
Stunning sights and rich legacy - climb aboard our grand tour of the best of Palm Springs modern
Green Fairway Estates - Palm Springs
An exotic, quirky hideaway, this Palm Springs tract recently rediscovered its Alexander roots
The Alexander Homes
Behind the pioneering Alexanders and their 2,500 modern homes that changed the face of Palm Springs
Forgotten Giant
Once the ‘miracle man’ behind more than 40,000 tract homes, Southern California architect Edward H. Fickett and his modern hybrids slip back into the limelight
Playing With Space
Over a 60-year career, architect Ray Kappe used custom homes to pioneer techniques for mass housing
Pandora's Box Of '60s Architecture
Preservationists reflect on ten months of 'The Sixties Turn 50' while promoting greater Los Angeles' architecture of the era
X-100 Eichler on the Screen
Get a Tour of Eichler's X-100 Steel House through This Long-Lost 1950s Newsreel!
Meet Jim Streng
Proud builder and straight-talking politician, Jim Streng still keeps an eye on his town
John Siler's Touch
With bright colors and quirky details, this designer's Streng is an intriguing 'idea house'
Meet Bill Streng
Three decades one of his own best customers, Bill still lives 'Streng modern' with a passion
Profile: The Dark Family
Dark family bridges generations by carrying on their Streng-to-Eichler modern lifestyle
Custom Carter Sparks
Apart from his Streng designs, architect Sparks wowed his custom clients with drama and intrigue
Carter Sparks Magic
Drama, humor, and exoticism meld with redwood warmth for architect's quirky brand of modernism
Strengs Go Prefab
The Strengs' factory-builts were more than a mere challenge
Greater Sacramento Strengs: Valley of the Atriums
Who are the Streng brothers—and what's the story behind their fascinating modern homes?
Eichler Inspiration: Paul Adamson
Fascination with Eichlers Peaks with Paul Adamson's Book 'Eichler: Modernism Rebuilds the American Dream'
Thermador Ovens and Cooktops
Saluting Thermador: As the oven-cooktop king turns 50, we return to the roots of Eichler home cooking